tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30933146308148061912018-03-06T16:15:35.610-08:00Baby Bitty TwinsOur Little Miss is an IVF babe, born after 4 years of trying. Then, after making our peace being a one-child family...oh, and then making our peace that we had another seemingly healthy one on the way...we discover that there are TWO BABIES growing in there. This is their journey and our journey as a family as we now embrace the idea of being a family of five.Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-68371363372695228492014-04-23T19:35:00.001-07:002014-04-23T19:35:17.706-07:00Happy First Birthday Boys!So a bit delayed post...only 18 days late. Par for course in the world of twins, I suppose. This is it - the last post for this blog. Life is just too crazy - twins, a preschooler, professor and pilot. As much as I would love to do "blog therapy" on a nightly basis, this life just does allow for it. <br /><br />I continue to be perplexed by the whole "time flies" concept. It has never flown with Emmeline - I feel like Emmeline and I have known each other for centuries, yet it has only been four years. And the boys...time has moved in slow motion as well. Yes, it has all been a blur, this is true, but a blur that has kind of moved in slow motion. I'm grateful for the postings that I did while the boys were in the nicu. Like I've wrote before, I remember big events and chunks of time while there, but the day-to-day and the feelings of it all is hard to access.<br /><br />So how would I describe the boys at their first birthday. Oldest first...<br /><br />Evan, you're my sensitive boy. You are quick to cry, quick to get frustrated, but also quick to laugh and give a smile. This was demonstrated at your one-year doctor's appointment. While your brother was easily bought off by a couple of tongue depressors, you clung to me for dear life as soon as Dr. Sue angled her chair towards us. Your innate hyper-vigilance and sensitivity is evident. You're a pound less than your brother right now, but this doesn't hinder you in any way. Your not quite walking yet, but will take a few steps. You mastered the ability to shake your head "no" a while ago and sometimes crack yourself up with this talent. You love food and have been known to swipe some of your brother's off his tray when he isn't looking. You usually go to bed easily and wake up happy. You adore your big sister more than anyone. You say "mama", sometimes randomly and sometimes with an urgency that reminds me how lucky I am. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thC5Ryy3SBk/U1h2G1jb2YI/AAAAAAAAAtk/0E74gdJeGro/s1600/Evansbday.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thC5Ryy3SBk/U1h2G1jb2YI/AAAAAAAAAtk/0E74gdJeGro/s320/Evansbday.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Oliver, you're my stoic observer. Sometimes less quick to crack a smile, but you also a often a demonstrate great patience. You often just go with the flow...unless, of course, you decide that it is time to wrestle. At the age of one, wrestling is hands down your favorite activity. If someone lays on the floor, flat on their back, you will make a beeline for them and throw yourself on top, all the while laughing from your gut. You love to wrestle your brother, although he is not always the biggest fan. You're not quite walking yet either, but will also take a few steps. Whereas Evan will cautiously fall to his knees when off balance, you are completely trustworthy...falling straightforward, knowing that mama is there to catch you. You also think big sissy is the best. You're not saying anything specific, yet you are "talking" all day long. And, as the picture below shows, you love chocolate. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UYB9ixiM0vA/U1h359rxAYI/AAAAAAAAAtw/zrcFyDX73gk/s1600/oliversbday.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UYB9ixiM0vA/U1h359rxAYI/AAAAAAAAAtw/zrcFyDX73gk/s320/oliversbday.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I love you Evan and Oliver. Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-27985240074983499672013-12-31T16:29:00.000-08:002013-12-31T17:46:26.512-08:00Happy New YearI have a very distinct memory of being upstairs in what is now Emmeline's room, alone, on New Year's Eve in 2008. We had a failed IVF cycle in the fall, and I remember writing a post that night on my old blog about a review of the year - the good and the bad. Alex was somewhere across the pond and although it would have been nice to dress up and enjoy a night out, I remember feeling quite content to be staying in, by myself, just me and my blog...attempting to make sense of my world through the written word. I also remember looking around the room that I had planned to be a nursery and bargaining with the universe. Please, please, please. Just give me a baby this year, just one (I don't want to be greedy), and I will never ask for anything else. I will be good. I will be eternally grateful and happy.<br /><br />And here I sit. Exactly five years later. Very different circumstances, yet a similar feeling...minus the pleading for more children. Alex and Emmeline are at a neighbor's house, brining in the New Year with some friends, while my boys are asleep upstairs and I am cozy on the couch. I once again find peace in my aloneness and seek the challenge of bringing beauty and order through writing to what can only be described as the most chaotic year of my life. Ok, universe, I come clean. I am not eternally grateful, nor happy...nor terribly good.<br /><br />There has never been a year in my life that is more of a blur than this past year. It's one of those time periods where I only remember the large events, the details are lost. I look back at pictures of us in the NICU and I don't even recognize myself. It was as if I was there in body only. I also feel that I survived the year by being completely detached. I went through the motions. I did what I had to do. I kept everything on the surface. And now, on the Eve of 2014, I realize that the weight of 2013 is just starting to feel too heavy to maintain on the surface. It's just starting to settle in my gut, in my core. And man, do I ever feel wiped. <br /><br />These boys have rocked my world. I still feel shock. Imagine...12 years of unprotected sex, 5 years of ACTIVELY trying (going to extreme lengths to get the timing right, including an 18-hour trek to NYC because I was supposedly ovulating and Alex was on an overnight there...I was so sure that it had worked that I had purchased a little NYC rubber ducky at the airport for the baby I knew we had just conceived. Bahahaha! That was only one year into our actively trying time period), three failed IUIs, a failed IVF cycle, and a touch-and-go pregnancy from a frozen cycle which resulted in one amazing baby. <br /><br />And I think out of my own fear of another loss or disappointment, I exhausted my mothering skills with her at each step of the way. I wanted to use up all of the mothering I had in me so that there would not be any yearning left. For yearning for more children would open up the possibility of having to try again, and having to try again would bring the risk and likelihood of disappointment and/or loss. <br /><br /> <br />And now, on the Eve of 2014, there is no loss. I sit in plentitude all the while my exhaustion, the weight of undigested 2013, distorts me from seeing things clearly.<br /><br />My hope for myself for 2014 is that I finally let 2013 settle deeply in my core - so that the weight of it no longer feels like heavy burden trying to push me under, but rather like an stable anchor that secures me in the lap of this abundance.<br />Happy New Year and you and yours. May you find yourself cozy and confident in your own abundant lap in 2014.<br /><br /> <br /> Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-85964006102645504132013-11-26T04:28:00.002-08:002013-11-26T04:28:28.964-08:00On the night you were born...Yesterday, Emmeline celebrated her 4th birthday.<br /><br />It's the first year that she was really into everything...REALLY into everything. The parties, the presents, the cake and most interestingly, her birth story. <br /><br />This is what I told her.<br /><br />"So, the night before you were born, mommy, daddy and Auntie L spent the night in the hospital. I was all cozy in my bed (Emmeline loves the word "cozy"). Daddy was all cozy in another bed in the room. And Auntie L was all cozy in a chair. The room looked a lot like the room mommy was in the night before the brothers came. That night, we all talked about how excited we were to meet you. Then, the next morning, the doctor came and woke me up and told me that it was time for you to come out. We were so excited. So he pulled you out of my tummy and we found out that you were a girl! We were so surprised that you were a girl. Then we named you Emmeline. <br /><br />That night, we were very tired. So you, mommy and daddy all slept in the same room. So many people were taking care of you because everyone loved you so much.".<br /><br />The end. <br /><br />I was just getting her out of the bath when I had told her the story. "Again, momma. Again.". I wish I had had a camera on me to capture her delight.<br /><br />Now, this is how I typically tell the story to myself, in my own head. <br /><br />"Even though I desperately needed the 5 more days to get my shit together, we were unexpectedly sent to the hospital that afternoon because my platelets were crashing and my doc was concerned for my health. Then, they forced us to go to a different, high risk hospital...that really pushed me over the edge. Once we got there, they strapped a gazillion monitors on me, making it absolutely impossible to get much sleep. The next morning, they started pitocin and my cervix refused to cooperate. By 11AM, they decided to rip the membranes of my cervix to get things moving. This involves little Miss "I'm-a-beautiful-calm-and-serene doc" sticking her fist up my who-who and scrapping her well-manicured nails (of course, covered by latex gloves) on my cervix. Yes, it was as pleasant as it sounds. Oh, about 30 minutes after that move to get things going, the same doc makes a decision and says f' it - a c-section will be better for both mom and baby. F'ing fantastic. Yada, yada, yada...In the OR, I get sliced open and after violently pushing my organs around, out comes Emmeline. My reaction to Alex saying "It's a girl!" is "Holy shit!" (We were certain the she was a he). I get a quick peak and they take her somewhere. Back to the room I go to get all the IVs back in because, oh, did I fail to mention that I'm suffering from preeclampsia which requires me to be on a devil drug called magnesium sulfate (so I won't seize, of course). About an hour or so after being back to the room, inspite not having anything to eat for the past 50 hours (thank you, magnesium sulfate), I dry heave my guts out, only to pass out for about a day afterwords. Seriously, I don't I have one memory from the time I puked my guts out until sometime the next day." <br /><br />All I know is that my baby was taken care of. I guess that's the one commonality between how I often choose to remember that time and what I told Emmeline last night.<br /><br />Was the story I told Emmeline a fairy tale version of what I wish it was like? No, what I told Emmeline was true. Is the story I have running through my head the nightmare version of what really happened? No, it is true also. It all got me thinking...imagine that...<br /><br />I could write this same blog about many events in my life - the contrast between the version I would tell to my child or someone else and the version that I live with in my head. Yes, initially, it does feel like I'm presenting an untruth - a fairy tale version - on the outside, yet living a nightmare of the darkest variety on the inside. And, frankly, both feel off and extreme, resulting in me feeling fraudulent in some way. But the truth of the matter is, that I'm not a fraud. That the truth of a memory lies in both the light and the dark. I think with Emmeline's age and my current unskillfulness in the balance of these matters, I made the right choice in how I told her the story. But, perhaps I can start to change the scripts that play out in my mind, moving a little more towards center...to a spot the resides between nightmare and fairy tale - a spot that defines what it means to be fully human.<br /><br />Happy Birthday my sweet baby! I've always known you and I can't wait to keep growing with you. <br /><br /> Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-43615106390569467382013-11-16T02:54:00.002-08:002013-11-16T04:02:55.424-08:00GratitudeUp at 4AM, unable to sleep, I, of course, do the thing that is least conducive to sleep - read horrifying stories about the typhoon. It's a world so far removed from mine, and as I scroll down the pages I realize the limitation of my empathy. Sure, I've been a little hungry...in between my meals...that I know will be there for me to consume in a few hours. But I have never been so hungry and dehydrated that I become sick. And I have never been in a situation where food and water, the basics, were inaccessible. I have never been that close to death. I have never watched my own children struggle to get their basic needs met. On Maslow's Pyramid, my loved ones and myself have always been above that bottom row. So I read and read in a somewhat detached state, aware that my head and heart cannot come close to understanding their devastation. <br /><br />And then I came across an article about a mother who gave birth to her baby girl at 32 weeks - the exact gestational age of my boys. Her daughter clings to life on a wooden bench in a hospital chapel, wrapped in plastic and blankets - the only solution in an attempt to regulate her body temperature. There aren't any incubators or electricity. Her mother lays on a similar bench, in the original clothes that she gave birth in, trying to recover herself. The article was quite descriptive about the scene, but doesn't directly state the obvious - the likely hood of that baby surviving is very,very small. The parents survived the typhoon, only to be thrown into a deeper, more cruel hell.<br /><br />And there I sat with my boys, in their own private rooms, receiving some of the best care in the world. They were both intubated within minutes of being born. Yes, they would not even be laying on the bench in that chapel - their life would have ended much sooner. The first few days, my boys were protected from the world by their sophisticated and functioning incubators. I remember the joy I felt when we were told that their "tops were being popped"...that they finally reached a level of health in which they could regulate their temps. I also remember the daily joy of them taking more and more of their feeds by bottle. After starting out on feeding tubes, every bottle feed was one step closer to being able to come home. I would relish the quiet nicu moments, relaxed in the room's recliner with a naked babe (or two!) cuddled under blankets against my bare chest. Not that there wasn't stressful times, but by the second week, our nicu experience settled into a rhythm, becoming a mostly comfortable routine. <br /><br />But there were many, many times that I lost perspective. I would feel self-pity. Why did I have to go through this? Why couldn't I have had one of those birth situations that you always hear about - you know, the ones where mom and babe are surrounded by unicorns vomiting rainbows. Hospital food, again? And having to trek the twenty feet back and forth between our private rooms. Didn't anyone have any forethought about multiples before they constructed this state-of-the-art multi-million dollar facility? And oh the pumping and more pumping. I remember feeling irritated when I happened to be "hungry" at pumping time. <br /><br />I get it. All we have is our own perspective. For me, someone living a life raising three healthy children in a town with world renowned medical care, the above situations did most likely cause some discomfort. But as I read that article, with tears and a tight chest, I couldn't help but be consumed by something that can only be described as survivor's guilt with a big heap of helplessness.<br /><br />Yeah, I can send some money. But that's the extent of it. My life isn't set up to hop on a plane and give myself to the relief efforts. And let me be honest - even in the absence of family and responsibilities, I'm not so sure I'm cut out for that anyway. <br /><br />But as I think about it more, I realize that there is one more thing I can do. I can express gratitude and keep gratitude on the forefront. For to not feel overwhelmingly grateful for this charmed life is to disrespect that mother and her babe fighting their hard fight on those wood benches. Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-6275827332482489732013-11-03T11:45:00.000-08:002013-11-03T16:39:31.736-08:00Hurry!I take Emmeline to swim lessons most Wednesday evenings. I always look forward to it for a variety of reasons. What joy it is to watch a child born out of MY body, fearless of the water. Sometimes in the space between waving and blowing kisses, I just stare at the wall and breath. Sometimes I make small talk with the other moms in between their own waving and kissing. I'll admit it - sometimes I just mindlessly surf through the emails on my phone. It is my half hour to do what I please. A precious half hour in a week of hurried chaos. <br /><br />Until recently, Emmeline refused to let me blow dry her hair after swim lessons. Then one day, like the switch that is so often mysteriously flipped in the mind of a three-year old, she discovered the pure luxury in having someone slowly blow dry her hair, running their fingers through her strands while that warm goodness covers her neck. If only she knew how much this treat will cost her in her adult years. If only she knew what a luxury it is for me to spend these precious moments with her as her mom and hairdresser. <br /><br />Yes, since the birth of the twins, that half hour on Wednesday evenings is some of the only time during the week that I'm not in a hurry.<br /><br />This past Wednesday, as Emmeline was fancying herself at Momma's Salon after swim class, I witnessed the mother next to me talk sternly to her little girl, probably under the age of four. She was grabbing one of her arms firmly and said in an elevated voice, "I said come on. We are in a hurry! We don't have time for this!". Please - in no way am I judging. I'm sure she as her half hour at some point in her week, just not at swim class. Rather, in that moment it was as if I was presented the gift of a mirror. I know that I had exhibited her look and those mannerisms. I had used her words in that tone of voice, many, many times before. Many times that week. Many times that day. I never really thought much about my behavior except that I believed it was "necessary" now that I'm so busy with the boys and being back to work. And then the mirror was held up...<br /><br />Man, it was not one of her better moments. Man, those times are not my better moments.<br /><br />Having recognized this gift, I became observant of the situation as I continued to run my fingers through Emmeline's hair. The more the mother expressed her need to hurry up, the more the girl's body tensed up and became resistant. And the more the girl resisted, the more the mother tugged and raised her voice, and the more the girl resisted...Having started around the same time, the mother finally finished with everything about two minutes before Emmeline and I were done, both mother and daughter leaving with tensed bodies and strained faces. <br /><br />Two minutes quicker. And that's when it really clicked. Now, as a mother of three, I am fully aware of the importance of logistics. I know that there are times, that in order to get everyone fed, bathed and basic needs met before bed it may often feel like I need to hurry. If hurrying would really change the course of events for the better, I'm all for it. I'm a sucker for efficiency. But the truth of the matter is that, to a three-year old, the difference between the "hurry" and the "non-hurry" speed of doing things is very negligible - perhaps a maximum difference of a minute or two. And that minute or two can be the difference between being all tensed up or sharing a few memorable moments at Momma's Salon. <br /><br />Later in the week, I decided to indulge Emmeline in her desire to try ice skating. There's a rink near by with open skate. Within a minute of hitting the ice, Emmeline was not a fan, but we stuck it out for one complete lap around the rink. She wasn't quite ready to leave and it was around lunch, so we got a couple of hotdogs at the snack bar and snuck into the stands of the professional rink. About 40 teenage figure skaters were practicing a complicated routine and we were their sole audience, having the bleachers to ourselves. Emmeline was in awe. As she mindlessly ate cut-up hotdog, she talked about how beautiful they looked, how she wished she could twirl like they did and how she wanted to be a good skater too. This led into that important discussion about practicing, how getting really good at something takes time and patience and how those girls probably started with the little walkers and fell a lot when they were three-years old too. <br /><br />Then my eyes met the big clock on the score keeping wall. We had been sitting there watching for 30 minutes. I became anxious to go. I had things to do. It was time to hurry out of there and hurry through the rest of my day. And then Emmeline looked at me with her beautiful and now inspired eyes and begged to stay "just a few more minutes, momma". In that moment, the scene from that week's swim class flashed before my eyes. We stayed, almost another hour. <br /><br />Because sometimes in a minute or two, a few moments at Momma's Salon can be soaked up or sometimes a life-long dream can be born. Or sometimes a mother and daughter can just have a meaningful chat over a hot dog. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-697xQ7jR4Hg/UnbsteoeLxI/AAAAAAAAAtU/LCV6HAqDSYw/s1600/Emmeline+and+hotdog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-697xQ7jR4Hg/UnbsteoeLxI/AAAAAAAAAtU/LCV6HAqDSYw/s320/Emmeline+and+hotdog.jpg" /></a></div>Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-77826049433544690682013-10-19T17:52:00.002-07:002013-10-19T17:57:37.808-07:00IntentionsWhen I wrote the last post, I had intentions of writing more like every other day. And now I see that the last post was written on September 26th. <br /><br />See, I have this admittedly insane guilt complex about not keeping the best documentation of the boys in this first year. The source of that guilt? The blog that I had kept about Emmeline. It was detailed. It was regular. It started over a year before she was conceived, continued through my pregnancy and while a little less detailed and frequent, I managed to keep it up through her first year. And then I found this amazing site that can take your blog and print a hard copy in a beautiful book. That book rests on top of the coffee table. Although Emmeline can't read yet, she often will sit with the book and look at the pictures. She relishes in the fact that it's a book about her. I've told her that someday she will love to read it and I'm confident that will be the case.<br /><br />And every time I look at that book (which, I may add, is sitting on top of her very well put together baby book), I am flooded with the mommy guilt that stems from that fact that no matter how hard I try, I will never be able to give the boys what I give Emmeline - not just that better blog and baby books, but the quiet moments in the rocker and the days of nothing but cuddles, the longer evening baths. I feel like I'm being a good mom when I get them bathed once a week (although, that is going to have to change now that we've started solids)...and, if someone offered me a method to bath babies quicker than I am already doing, I would without hesitation say "Yes please.".<br /><br />It's a crazy life - these two boys, big sis and now working as a professor. Add on top of this the fact that my husband is experiencing some severe back issues that will most likely end up being resolved with surgery. For the first time in my life, this Type A is not keeping up with much of anything...the laundry, the house, friends, sometimes my own basic hygiene. So yes, there is no denying that the boys will have a different life. <br /><br />But as one dear friend stated so well, "What is missing in the one-on-one attention that you can give them, is compensated for with siblings.". I think about this phrase often. It lessens that mommy guilt.<br /><br />And one day I hope to even transcend that helpful mantra and realize that there is really nothing compensate for...that when my intention is good, when I'm giving them my best, I know they're going to be okay. And that probably the best thing I can actually do for them is to let go of any guilt and simple be present.<br /><br />May this find you well and enjoying your own guilt-free moments, whatever they are.<br /><br />Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-89043463615716347612013-09-26T10:58:00.000-07:002013-09-26T16:51:38.296-07:00Nicu Days 16 - oh wait, they're almost 6 months old now!I'm sorry for the delay.<br /><br />That's it. No long excuses about the absolute craziness that is now my life. I now realize that my apologizes for lateness will forever be constants in my life, and frankly, no time or energy to expand beyond a heartfelt "I'm sorry". And, I'm also learning, a little more slowly, that there really isn't a need expand. People know. People understand. People don't need the well-defined excuses. People just want to help.<br /><br />The quick - the boys are well! We busted out of the NICU with Oliver on May 3rd (exactly four weeks after birth) and Evan quickly followed on May 5th. The adjustment of being out of the NICU was large. What do you mean there is no nurse to feed my baby when I feel like sleeping through the night? Did I say "baby"??? Babies. BABIES. Maybe someday the plural version will flow more freely. Not yet. Not even close.<br /><br />Because they were considered "high risk", not just because they were twins, but also because of the twin-to-twin transfusion, we were advised to get "early on" involved. Oliver didn't qualify (which is a good thing), but Evan did, mainly due to increase muscle tone. Early On is great - now coming to our house every other week and mainly doing physical therapy with Evan. He is progressing nicely. Both boys are meeting their milestones...and in most cases, based on actual birth date instead of adjusted. My little overachievers. Evan still has the stiffness, but it is kind of an unknown in terms of what that means. Of course, I have some worry about his future...but not as much as you would think. He is generous with his smiles and his laughter is abundant. I know this means that he will have a quality of life. <br /><br />More, more later. For now, some pics.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mSwRf4nBqOE/UkR1oZ63vYI/AAAAAAAAAs0/iEoEyePSdNc/s1600/twins+month+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mSwRf4nBqOE/UkR1oZ63vYI/AAAAAAAAAs0/iEoEyePSdNc/s320/twins+month+5.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dbwDPZEUUAc/UkR1sJIrtFI/AAAAAAAAAs8/2eQHidEhAXo/s1600/twins+month+4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dbwDPZEUUAc/UkR1sJIrtFI/AAAAAAAAAs8/2eQHidEhAXo/s320/twins+month+4a.jpg" /></a>Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-29715422028442647662013-04-23T08:56:00.001-07:002013-04-23T08:56:39.789-07:00Nicu Days 14 and 15Day 14, Thursday, April 17th, 2013<br /><br />Spent a couple of hours at the nicu with John and Susan, then took a break for lunch at Cafe Felix. Totally off the nicu topic, but I love that place. Could possibly be my new favorite Ann Arbor lunch place. Stayed at the nicu awhile longer while Denise and Tom came to visit. Denise held Evan and Tom held Oliver and, as Denise said in a later email, they are in love with those boys. Picked E up from preschool, then I don't remember much after that...the days are starting the blur together... <br /><br />Day 14, Susan and John meet Evan:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B5rzPlXJKGE/UXM18aa85qI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/aeHFIsWCe7E/s1600/Susan+and+Evan+day+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B5rzPlXJKGE/UXM18aa85qI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/aeHFIsWCe7E/s320/Susan+and+Evan+day+14.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGa6wXCsZQM/UXM2KyJKxsI/AAAAAAAAAqY/16eyb9SQLLE/s1600/John+and+Evan.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGa6wXCsZQM/UXM2KyJKxsI/AAAAAAAAAqY/16eyb9SQLLE/s320/John+and+Evan.jpg" /></a><br />Day 14, Evan:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rmPt9b1sC8w/UXM2S3tA4AI/AAAAAAAAAqg/4y9Ron7Ygt4/s1600/Evan+day+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rmPt9b1sC8w/UXM2S3tA4AI/AAAAAAAAAqg/4y9Ron7Ygt4/s320/Evan+day+14.jpg" /></a><br />Day 14, Oliver:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zpi8ltpnyiw/UXM2clOV-hI/AAAAAAAAAqo/NGoKcAiXOjw/s1600/Tom+and+Oliver+2+day+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zpi8ltpnyiw/UXM2clOV-hI/AAAAAAAAAqo/NGoKcAiXOjw/s320/Tom+and+Oliver+2+day+14.jpg" /></a><br />Day 14, Visits from Denise and Tom:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWusrKop5cM/UXM2jmagOfI/AAAAAAAAAqw/w2TXr-sxF1c/s1600/Denise+and+Evan+day+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zWusrKop5cM/UXM2jmagOfI/AAAAAAAAAqw/w2TXr-sxF1c/s320/Denise+and+Evan+day+14.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TiGxdTVhvsg/UXM23l3Hj8I/AAAAAAAAArI/4GBIUmwe2Ag/s1600/Tom+and+Oliver+day+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TiGxdTVhvsg/UXM23l3Hj8I/AAAAAAAAArI/4GBIUmwe2Ag/s320/Tom+and+Oliver+day+14.jpg" /></a><br />Christina and Oliver<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DWpL2Grf1w/UXM28s1B7DI/AAAAAAAAArQ/DImZf9ccnCY/s1600/Christina+and+Oliver+day+14.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4DWpL2Grf1w/UXM28s1B7DI/AAAAAAAAArQ/DImZf9ccnCY/s320/Christina+and+Oliver+day+14.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 15, Friday, April 18th, 2013<br /><br />After dropping E off at preschool, Alex and I both went to the nicu and got to bath and feed the babes. And then a big solo Costco shopping trip - complete with a romantic lunch at the "Costco Cafe". We live exciting, crazy lives these days. Nice night with Emmeline and my mom...went back to the nicu with them for a little bit and Amy came to visit. <br />Day 15, Evan:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_B1f62xj2Vw/UXM3tcsBZGI/AAAAAAAAArg/_dZf_eF1J9c/s1600/Evan+day+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_B1f62xj2Vw/UXM3tcsBZGI/AAAAAAAAArg/_dZf_eF1J9c/s320/Evan+day+15.jpg" /></a><br />Day 15, Oliver:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uOzxKjAyFSc/UXM3x4lBzvI/AAAAAAAAAro/Egz5x5Xz8mY/s1600/Evan+3+day+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uOzxKjAyFSc/UXM3x4lBzvI/AAAAAAAAAro/Egz5x5Xz8mY/s320/Evan+3+day+15.jpg" /></a><br />Day 15, Oliver and mom:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HGHcxju8TyY/UXaubHZ8r1I/AAAAAAAAAr4/oP7kf3Pis7U/s1600/Grandma+and+Oliver+day+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HGHcxju8TyY/UXaubHZ8r1I/AAAAAAAAAr4/oP7kf3Pis7U/s320/Grandma+and+Oliver+day+15.jpg" /></a><br />Day 15, Amy, Emmeline and Evan:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0MOkPcQ0qTw/UXaujzXNLtI/AAAAAAAAAsA/PS6ns-w1J-8/s1600/Amy,+Emmelien+and+Evan+day+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0MOkPcQ0qTw/UXaujzXNLtI/AAAAAAAAAsA/PS6ns-w1J-8/s320/Amy,+Emmelien+and+Evan+day+15.jpg" /></a><br />Day 15, Dad, Emmeline and Oliver:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aiZ2ZU2h8LA/UXau1oByLUI/AAAAAAAAAsI/mgdl0Ryq2x8/s1600/Emmeline,+Alex+and+Oliver+day+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aiZ2ZU2h8LA/UXau1oByLUI/AAAAAAAAAsI/mgdl0Ryq2x8/s320/Emmeline,+Alex+and+Oliver+day+15.jpg" /></a><br />Day 15, Christina's post-pregnancy belly:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TE1ytAWShtM/UXavI8PxHzI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/HPbknFzNnAA/s1600/Christina+belly+day+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TE1ytAWShtM/UXavI8PxHzI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/HPbknFzNnAA/s320/Christina+belly+day+15.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-73900869381229286132013-04-20T07:20:00.001-07:002013-04-20T17:30:14.264-07:00Nicu Days 12 and 13Day 12, Tuesday, April 16th:<br /><br />Wow, busy, busy day, I took care of both boys for about 6 hours. Not 24 hours, not a week, but 6 HOURS. And I was amazed how busy it actually was. The nurse reminded me of something, though. She said that everything in the nicu takes extra time because there are still tubes and wires to work around. It takes a lot of extra time to get them undressed and dressed, change a diaper, etc.. It even takes extra time to get them in and out of their isolet. <br /><br />It was bath day for both. Both got sponge baths. Both had some good bottle feeds. And either one or both got some kangaroo time...cant remember. Alex had to stay home because we were getting some new carpet installed. Yes, we set up a couple of home improvement projects because, you know, the twins weren't coming until around May 6th. We considered postponing them, but then decided that there will not be a "good time" for a long, long time. Alex did come up and have lunch with me and the boys. <br /><br />It was a special day for Emmeline - she was "star of the week" at preschool...which means she gets to show off a bunch of her pictures, pick helpers, be first in line, etc.. We continued her special day by skipping evening nicu hours and going out for ice cream.<br /><br />Good day. <br /><br />Day 12, Emmeline "star of the week" at preschool:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bATUt210hto/UXEi6GbCwkI/AAAAAAAAAow/FmYRrfsWfz8/s1600/E+star+of+the+week+1+day+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bATUt210hto/UXEi6GbCwkI/AAAAAAAAAow/FmYRrfsWfz8/s320/E+star+of+the+week+1+day+12.jpg" /></a><br />Day 12, Evan pre and post bath:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uX-itqV9Aic/UXEjG9xeRsI/AAAAAAAAAo4/k1WISTDzgTk/s1600/Evan+bath+day+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uX-itqV9Aic/UXEjG9xeRsI/AAAAAAAAAo4/k1WISTDzgTk/s320/Evan+bath+day+12.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98NGXevCKcE/UXEjWTZlVWI/AAAAAAAAApA/8nX-R1Ebq0s/s1600/Evan+cleaned+and+clothed+day+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98NGXevCKcE/UXEjWTZlVWI/AAAAAAAAApA/8nX-R1Ebq0s/s320/Evan+cleaned+and+clothed+day+12.jpg" /></a><br />Day 12, Oliver pre and post bath:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yR90EuceV80/UXEjaoJXVAI/AAAAAAAAApI/dNCVpam1Wwk/s1600/Oliver+bath+day+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yR90EuceV80/UXEjaoJXVAI/AAAAAAAAApI/dNCVpam1Wwk/s320/Oliver+bath+day+12.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Al5giftIAI/UXEjfZaYi3I/AAAAAAAAApQ/AdGCFxBJXkw/s1600/Oliver+bottle+day+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Al5giftIAI/UXEjfZaYi3I/AAAAAAAAApQ/AdGCFxBJXkw/s320/Oliver+bottle+day+12.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Day 13, Wednesday, April 17th:<br /><br />For the first time, I headed up extra early this morning because I knew we were going to have a busy day and I wanted some alone time with the boys. The nicu is a pretty peaceful place at 6AM. Got to do the 7AM feeds and have some good cuddle time. A nice visit from Auntie Lauren and then Alex's dad and Susan. John and Susan got to meet them for the first time and hold Evan. <br /><br />Emmeline had a playdate in the nicu with her friend Olivia. I think it was fun for her. They played for awhile in the play area, shared a cookie, saw the babes, etc.. <br /><br />In medical news, the physical therapist did initial evaluations on both boys. The result is that both boys show some weak muscle tone, which is not unusual with preemies. She didn't see anything that may be specific to the twin-to-twin transfusion, which is good. What this all means is that she will come once a week and work with them, in addition to teaching us some exercises for them. They will probably be followed by PT for some time. <br /><br />Also, we were told that because the boys are so stable, we may be moved to a step down floor in the near future. This is good news as it is an indicator of their continued good health, however, it will be sad to leave the awesome staff in the nicu. No definite date on the move. <br /><br />I also asked the nurses if we could put them on alternating feed schedules so that we could feed them both. So Evan now feed at 9, 12, 3, 6 and Oliver feeds at 10, 1, 4, 7.<br /><br />Emmeline had swim lessons tonight. And when everyone got home, we had Thai and a Big Sister to Twins celebration. Emmeline enjoyed her chocolate cake. <br /><br />Day 13, Emmeline's playdate with Olivia in the nicu:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-OABTlV0_k/UXEjoeUkZWI/AAAAAAAAApY/LbBtqSEi5N4/s1600/E+and+Oliver+3+day+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-OABTlV0_k/UXEjoeUkZWI/AAAAAAAAApY/LbBtqSEi5N4/s320/E+and+Oliver+3+day+13.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VGV1lf3SNmA/UXEj60I-GII/AAAAAAAAApg/NbVRk3cVXS4/s1600/E+and+Oliver+day+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VGV1lf3SNmA/UXEj60I-GII/AAAAAAAAApg/NbVRk3cVXS4/s320/E+and+Oliver+day+13.jpg" /></a><br />Day 13, Emmeline's "Big sister of twins" celebration:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f3h508UXggA/UXEkMaY8pQI/AAAAAAAAApo/A0Vg6CKeGWk/s1600/E's+cake+2+day+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f3h508UXggA/UXEkMaY8pQI/AAAAAAAAApo/A0Vg6CKeGWk/s320/E's+cake+2+day+13.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-holghul8H0M/UXEkSQZqmfI/AAAAAAAAApw/Ac8PhWgYAGU/s1600/E's+cake+3+day+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-holghul8H0M/UXEkSQZqmfI/AAAAAAAAApw/Ac8PhWgYAGU/s320/E's+cake+3+day+13.jpg" /></a><br />Day 13, Evan:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-61hCALyl1Sg/UXEkYYYDkGI/AAAAAAAAAp4/ZE2KNgkhiUo/s1600/Evan+day+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-61hCALyl1Sg/UXEkYYYDkGI/AAAAAAAAAp4/ZE2KNgkhiUo/s320/Evan+day+13.jpg" /></a><br />Day 13, Oliver:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I9L-gDuZQmM/UXEkg8ZO1FI/AAAAAAAAAqA/AynA9m0_Sz0/s1600/Oliver+day+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I9L-gDuZQmM/UXEkg8ZO1FI/AAAAAAAAAqA/AynA9m0_Sz0/s320/Oliver+day+13.jpg" /></a><br />Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-87512829021778879852013-04-15T23:02:00.001-07:002013-04-15T23:07:18.755-07:00Nicu Days 10 and 11Day 10, Sunday, April 14, 2013:<br /><br />Knowing that they usually run late with rounding, we delayed are arrival till about 10AM today (we have been heading up there around 9ish). We started our day by giving Oliver a bath for the first time. Alex held him in a tiny pink basin, and I bathed him. He seemed to enjoy it. We had an interesting discussion with the nurses about the frequency of baths. Apparently, the hospital mandates that nicu babies get bathed every two days. Three nurses told us that they thought that was too much, that every three days would be more appropriate. So we may tell them that's what we want. <br /><br />Oliver took a huge amount of his bottle for the 10AM feed...22ccs! He is up to 42ccs now, which is a little over a ounce and a third. I fed Evan at his 1PM feeding and although he seemed to take a lot, he quickly barfed it all up. They are getting there. They are 34 weeks gestational age today, so the feedings should start to go better. Oliver showed some interest in the boob yesterday and I hope to have some appointments with lactation this week. Evan might be a little longer before he takes the boob. I tried today and got the nipple in his mouth, but then he just got wide-eyed and stared at me. I'm sure these boys will love reading about my breastfeeding experiences when they are 18 years old. lol.<br /><br />My milk production is going well...if I only had one baby to feed. After a trip to the milk bank, I realize that I'm going to need to step it up. Yesterday was Day 10, and they had just finished going through Day 7 milk - only 3 days ahead! Since I realistically can't pump more than every 2-3 hours (which is what I am averaging), I am going to start the teas today along with a couple "power pumping" sessions.<br /><br />We had some visitors today - Uncle Mark and Aunt Cathy, Uncle Rodge and Aunt Barb and Sandra and McKenzie. Emmeline stayed home with my mom because she had a cough and sniffles. She had a great time and is adjusting so well to staying with my mom, which eases our stress so much. <br /><br />Today was the first day I felt that post-birth fog. I remember the same fog with Emmeline....that underlying exhaustion that is not going to get resolved for several months. But I'm happy and my children are thriving - all three of them...still can't wrap my head around that!<br /><br />Day 10 Oliver's bath:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfrXUGV08R8/UWvQ2p2AICI/AAAAAAAAAm4/fVGIgzNoQJY/s1600/Christina+dressing+Oliver+day+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfrXUGV08R8/UWvQ2p2AICI/AAAAAAAAAm4/fVGIgzNoQJY/s320/Christina+dressing+Oliver+day+10.jpg" /></a> <br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FgpZ29jbVUw/UWvR2l66z9I/AAAAAAAAAnI/vZHz2LB_Ct0/s1600/Oliver+bath+day+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FgpZ29jbVUw/UWvR2l66z9I/AAAAAAAAAnI/vZHz2LB_Ct0/s320/Oliver+bath+day+10.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 10 Visitors:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfhBedpzT8Y/UWvSE4-1EHI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/fifSJHFlqjw/s1600/Sandra+and+Oliver+day+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZfhBedpzT8Y/UWvSE4-1EHI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/fifSJHFlqjw/s320/Sandra+and+Oliver+day+10.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFIi_ZJPa6Y/UWvSJunTHXI/AAAAAAAAAnY/8rYfxiLCyUE/s1600/Mark,+Cathy+and+Evan+day+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RFIi_ZJPa6Y/UWvSJunTHXI/AAAAAAAAAnY/8rYfxiLCyUE/s320/Mark,+Cathy+and+Evan+day+10.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L_3ZioJdNYQ/UWvS5z12sGI/AAAAAAAAAng/Kiy0gpBpjkM/s1600/Aunt+barb+and+evan+day+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L_3ZioJdNYQ/UWvS5z12sGI/AAAAAAAAAng/Kiy0gpBpjkM/s320/Aunt+barb+and+evan+day+10.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 10 Oliver:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxHxxGdsuD0/UWvTkasCMnI/AAAAAAAAAns/ROfbuM-Eb6g/s1600/Oliver+day+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MxHxxGdsuD0/UWvTkasCMnI/AAAAAAAAAns/ROfbuM-Eb6g/s320/Oliver+day+10.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 10 Evan:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_c7A2jMJnx8/UWvTvqG1s2I/AAAAAAAAAn0/mpgp5zUK_Ks/s1600/Evan+day+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_c7A2jMJnx8/UWvTvqG1s2I/AAAAAAAAAn0/mpgp5zUK_Ks/s320/Evan+day+10.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 11, Monday, April 15, 2013:<br /><br />We took a little time off from the nicu today, only going up for a little in the morning (so my dad could meet them) and in the evening, so Emmeline could hold Evan for the first time. This week promises to be busy as we become more and more involved in the boy's care. They continue to do fantastic. I can't wait to get Oliver on the breast, as I am definitely developing a love/hate relationship with this pump. The weather was great today, close to 70 degrees, so we spent some outdoor time with Emmeline at the park. Wow, was that nice. Although she really impresses me (and all the nurses, for that matter) during our visits to the nicu. She gets the biggest kick out of having one of the many snacks that I have stocked for her in their rooms, and she also very much likes walking independently between there rooms. She has a nicu bag, filled with stuff of her choosing...but really, she is most interested in her bros while we're there. Life is good...totally exhausting, but good. <br /><br />Day 11 Emmeline holding Evan:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz4LdaEKPU8/UWzn6aM3JqI/AAAAAAAAAoI/1AqE7a9I9dI/s1600/Emmeline+and+Evan+2+day+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz4LdaEKPU8/UWzn6aM3JqI/AAAAAAAAAoI/1AqE7a9I9dI/s320/Emmeline+and+Evan+2+day+11.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K2h5gwwfskM/UWzn-6guPnI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/TdWFzaOmJ6A/s1600/Emmeline+and+Evan+day+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K2h5gwwfskM/UWzn-6guPnI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/TdWFzaOmJ6A/s320/Emmeline+and+Evan+day+11.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HTS8iCrExs8/UWzoDx5xrqI/AAAAAAAAAoY/8jRRzzGjfeQ/s1600/Emmeline+feeding+Evan+day+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HTS8iCrExs8/UWzoDx5xrqI/AAAAAAAAAoY/8jRRzzGjfeQ/s320/Emmeline+feeding+Evan+day+11.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 11 Dad visiting the boys:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WG-sNgqISjY/UWzoKuHUzPI/AAAAAAAAAog/XGGDAX3oQqc/s1600/Dad+and+Emmeline+day+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WG-sNgqISjY/UWzoKuHUzPI/AAAAAAAAAog/XGGDAX3oQqc/s320/Dad+and+Emmeline+day+11.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-13959052996600576682013-04-14T03:52:00.003-07:002013-04-14T03:53:38.180-07:00Nicu Days 8 and 9Day 8, Friday, April 12, 2013<br /><br />Dropped E off at preschool and headed to the nicu. Milk bank, pump, feed, kangaroo, pump, lunch, hangout and then try to get home before it is time to pump again. One week out, this seems to be the routine. Today was a little different because we had a bunch of visitors - Lauren, Lauren's mom, and Aaron, Anna and our neighbors, Peg and Nick. It was great to show off the boys. The boys got their main umbilical cords out today which means a lot more freedom in holding them. We also can take them in out and by ourselves now. Emmeline came back with us in the evening and she got to touch them and help feed Oliver. We, of course, also fitted in some playtime in the nicu play area.<br /><br />Day 8 Emmeline feeding Oliver: <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6QWd1oy-RM/UWqFxvZaHZI/AAAAAAAAAlI/yUmi5zL8x_Q/s1600/Emmeline+and+Oliver+day+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6QWd1oy-RM/UWqFxvZaHZI/AAAAAAAAAlI/yUmi5zL8x_Q/s320/Emmeline+and+Oliver+day+8.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 8 visitors Aaron, Lauren's mom, Peg and Nick and Anna:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cqkkSsp_ycs/UWqGEcJEkXI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/3aEbGUJLVR0/s1600/Lauren's+mom+visiting+Oliver.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cqkkSsp_ycs/UWqGEcJEkXI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/3aEbGUJLVR0/s320/Lauren's+mom+visiting+Oliver.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuKx818J_1U/UWqGIfCgeDI/AAAAAAAAAlY/syM-_RZ7k2U/s1600/Aaron+and+Evan+day+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZuKx818J_1U/UWqGIfCgeDI/AAAAAAAAAlY/syM-_RZ7k2U/s320/Aaron+and+Evan+day+8.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCOdShp4SNg/UWqGN5YeUWI/AAAAAAAAAlg/35pPzlhu8fI/s1600/Visit+from+Peg+and+Nick+day+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hCOdShp4SNg/UWqGN5YeUWI/AAAAAAAAAlg/35pPzlhu8fI/s320/Visit+from+Peg+and+Nick+day+8.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KwoTDI2jwtg/UWqGRTxFRUI/AAAAAAAAAlo/gBZUq1aXIMs/s1600/Anna+visiting+Oliver+day+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KwoTDI2jwtg/UWqGRTxFRUI/AAAAAAAAAlo/gBZUq1aXIMs/s320/Anna+visiting+Oliver+day+8.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 8 Emmeline and Mom looking at Evan: <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJamEQdj4sI/UWqGX8xeemI/AAAAAAAAAlw/BVDkut5DVyk/s1600/Mom,+Emmeline+and+Evan+day+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJamEQdj4sI/UWqGX8xeemI/AAAAAAAAAlw/BVDkut5DVyk/s320/Mom,+Emmeline+and+Evan+day+8.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 9, Saturday, April 13, 2013<br /><br />I headed to the nuci by myself this morning. Yes, I drove a couple of days early, but the hospital is only a couple of miles away. It was so great to walk into Oliver's room and see the top of his isolet was open. This means that we can take him in and out as we please without the assistance of the nurses. Usual routine and then I got to feed and kangaroo Oliver. He did pretty well on the bottle, and then I decided to put him to the breast to see what he would do. He did great. Stuck in that nipple and took a couple of strong sucks. I think, with some effort, he is going to get it. Alex, my mom and Emmeline came up around lunch time. We had a "picnic" in the nicu, which Emmeline got a huge kick out of. Then, the highlight to Emmeline's day, Emmeline got to hold Oliver. She was so perfect with him. I took Emmeline to the play area while my mom then held and fed Oliver and Alex held and fed Emmeline. Headed home a little later than expected, but after a fantastic morning. <br /><br />In the evening, Alex and I went out for a celebratory dinner at The Quarter, then we stopped at the nicu for a late night visit. Evan's top was now also up which meant that he could now also easily come out. So we asked the nurses if we could hold them together for the first time. Amazing, amazing experience. It was surreal to realize that this just wasn't a fun photo opportunity...this is our life. And life is good.<br /><br />Day 9 Emmeline holding Oliver:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j76LELNQhNQ/UWqJsg_PRTI/AAAAAAAAAmA/imR3cfdjl70/s1600/Emmeline+holding+Oliver+3+day+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j76LELNQhNQ/UWqJsg_PRTI/AAAAAAAAAmA/imR3cfdjl70/s320/Emmeline+holding+Oliver+3+day+9.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86v98ENLjVQ/UWqJ2bu6fmI/AAAAAAAAAmI/aEiqzsk8HU8/s1600/Emmeline+holding+Oliver+2+day+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86v98ENLjVQ/UWqJ2bu6fmI/AAAAAAAAAmI/aEiqzsk8HU8/s320/Emmeline+holding+Oliver+2+day+9.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 9 Grandma holding and feeding Oliver:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V2_Wxm1Wbbc/UWqJ-s3SOvI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/6zukkMDg2Ng/s1600/Grandma+feeding+Oliver+day+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V2_Wxm1Wbbc/UWqJ-s3SOvI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/6zukkMDg2Ng/s320/Grandma+feeding+Oliver+day+9.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 9 Boys reuntied:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Id2jZFOY94/UWqKKlGiDdI/AAAAAAAAAmY/m8-p4TZEyco/s1600/Mom+and+the+boys+day+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Id2jZFOY94/UWqKKlGiDdI/AAAAAAAAAmY/m8-p4TZEyco/s320/Mom+and+the+boys+day+9.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w0ChwNt7Ypk/UWqKUpx3BjI/AAAAAAAAAmg/brjZix8OuCc/s1600/Together+day+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w0ChwNt7Ypk/UWqKUpx3BjI/AAAAAAAAAmg/brjZix8OuCc/s320/Together+day+9.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkogF6KtdTk/UWqKaCPAX5I/AAAAAAAAAmo/iq-rn36AaBM/s1600/Dad+and+boys+day+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkogF6KtdTk/UWqKaCPAX5I/AAAAAAAAAmo/iq-rn36AaBM/s320/Dad+and+boys+day+9.jpg" /></a><br />Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-60918479992305202222013-04-11T11:24:00.003-07:002013-04-11T11:38:30.788-07:00Nicu Days 6 and 7Day 6: Wednesday, April 10, 2013<br /><br />What a busy day! Today was the first day that I was home from the hospital and Emmeline was not at preschool. Emmeline's last music class was this morning, so Alex dropped me off at the nicu before taking her to that. My mom stayed at the house because we were having granite counter tops delivered. We had obviously made this kitchen remodeling decision before we knew that the twins would be arriving early. We contemplated changing it, but than quickly came to the conclusion that it will always be a bad time. They look fantastic, btw. <br /><br />Busy, busy morning at the nicu. First was milk management. This nicu has an amazing milk bank. You just label and drop off your milk, and then they coordinate with the nurses and handle everything else. My milk production has been out the roof (which is surprising because I really was a low producer with Emmeline), which has been great. But it meant the I had a lot of unlabeled bottles from the night that I had to separate and organize and take to the bank. Pump then kangaroo with Evan then pump...then meet with lactation consultant to fix the pump. Then chat with the social worker. Oh, and do our children want to be part of the blah, blah, blah research study? I finally made it to triage to get my staples out. Yay! Wow, does that ever feel better. Ordered some lunch, took a breather and then Alex and Emmeline came up around 1:30PM. <br /><br />It was cute...I have stocked one of the nicu rooms with some of her favorite snacks. She asked for one as soon as she came in and I think got a big kick out of it. After saying hi to her brothers, we went to the play area down the hall. Yes, according to Emmeline, the nicu is a "fun place". I'm glad she sees it that way. I know if the boys were sicker, she may have a different impression. <br /><br />Left the nicu, a short stint at home, then off to her swim class. Then back to the hospital for a fun dinner at the hospital cafeteria. Seriously, she got a kick out it. Back to see the boys. Special times as Emmeline got to see Oliver out of his "crib", help put on his hat and sing to him. She also got Oliver's stuffed tiger all situated for the night and asked the nurse to watch over him too. So many nurses commented how nice, calm and sweet she was. I was proud. Came home and crashed. <br /><br />Day 6 Evan "no more pictures please":<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_vjLxZgWiQ/UWb_atHmBhI/AAAAAAAAAkA/s_IqmICs2uk/s1600/Evan+day+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_vjLxZgWiQ/UWb_atHmBhI/AAAAAAAAAkA/s_IqmICs2uk/s320/Evan+day+6.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 6 Emmeline, dad and Oliver:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OdQxuzwJkNU/UWb_plFhBRI/AAAAAAAAAkI/w4M4M2Hjx5E/s1600/Emmeline,+dad+and+oliver+day+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OdQxuzwJkNU/UWb_plFhBRI/AAAAAAAAAkI/w4M4M2Hjx5E/s320/Emmeline,+dad+and+oliver+day+6.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 6 Emmeline, taking it all in:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-szC7ZQ-1R60/UWb_4q0tTLI/AAAAAAAAAkY/KL4skyAyglA/s1600/Emmeline,+dad+and+oliver+2+day+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-szC7ZQ-1R60/UWb_4q0tTLI/AAAAAAAAAkY/KL4skyAyglA/s320/Emmeline,+dad+and+oliver+2+day+6.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 6 Emmeline before swim class:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kf7qxQ5EtxA/UWcBhbTzrwI/AAAAAAAAAkg/fT8hJCZ71K4/s1600/Emmeline+waiting+for+swim+class.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kf7qxQ5EtxA/UWcBhbTzrwI/AAAAAAAAAkg/fT8hJCZ71K4/s320/Emmeline+waiting+for+swim+class.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 7: Wednesday, April 11, 2013<br /><br />After dropping Emmeline off at preschool, we both headed to the nicu. Pump, kangaroo, pump, rounds, eat, milk management. These are our mornings. After 7 days, we are settling into a routine. Rounds went well. Probably the best news is that Oliver had taken 58% of his feeds by mouth. Evan took some by mouth, but less. But really, just the fact that they are taking any by mouth is impressive. Auntie Lauren came for a morning visit and even got to feed Oliver a bottle. Tonight, after we pick Emmeline up from preschool, we are going to this indoor jungle gym area with her. We've decided that we wouldn't go back in the evenings on her preschool days (as long as they are doing well).<br /><br />Day 7 Mom and Oliver:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NYAI2GcigDk/UWcCxx8PWRI/AAAAAAAAAko/sNHDcTZFneo/s1600/Mom+and+Oliver+day+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NYAI2GcigDk/UWcCxx8PWRI/AAAAAAAAAko/sNHDcTZFneo/s320/Mom+and+Oliver+day+7.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 7 Dad and Evan:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PX0QsMA4aE8/UWcC7WyWqSI/AAAAAAAAAkw/yXeukGmkEMQ/s1600/Dad+and+evan+day+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PX0QsMA4aE8/UWcC7WyWqSI/AAAAAAAAAkw/yXeukGmkEMQ/s320/Dad+and+evan+day+7.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 7 Evan eating:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EXzFZlxyDVY/UWcDIDD8GWI/AAAAAAAAAk4/MFMt7ShDlaI/s1600/Evan+eating+day+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EXzFZlxyDVY/UWcDIDD8GWI/AAAAAAAAAk4/MFMt7ShDlaI/s320/Evan+eating+day+7.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-86262558496534842592013-04-11T10:48:00.002-07:002013-04-11T10:49:36.632-07:00Nicu Days 4 and 5Day 4: Monday, April 8, 2013<br /><br />Same schedule, different day. Morning rounding went well. The doc who saved Evan immediately upon delivery was there. I was kangarooing Evan at the time and admittedly half paying attention. All I heard him say was "Evan holds a Mott nicu record...". Not fully understanding what he meant, I laughed. The whole nicu team looked at me as if I had two heads. I then asked for clarification. The record he holds is not a good one. He had the lowest hemocrit ever recorded at birth. Translation? He had the worst case of anemia at birth. Essentially, we had hours. My ob at the time made an amazing call. See, I was on NST monitoring all night before the c-section, and there really wasn't anything to indicate that they couldn't wait one more day while the lungs matured. However, this ob just felt something in his gut that said "deliver now". I've been looking for him everyday because I want to say thank you. <br /><br />My mom spent the morning in the nicu with me, while Alex took Emmeline on a playdate. She is doing so well. Then, in the evening, Alex and I had the opportunity to hang out with the boys by ourselves while my mom watched Emmeline. They were just about ready to put the lights on Oliver (for jaundice) when we arrived, so we couldn't hold him - I was glad I had the chance to spend kangaroo time with both in the morning. Even though we couldn't hold Oliver, it was still very nice for both of us to be able to be there and spend time with the boys. Alex had a chance to hang with Evan.<br /><br />Day 4 Evan:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qgocvzVOgis/UWaAuT4k-sI/AAAAAAAAAi4/VEaJ22xA7a8/s1600/Evan+day+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qgocvzVOgis/UWaAuT4k-sI/AAAAAAAAAi4/VEaJ22xA7a8/s320/Evan+day+4.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 4 Oliver (morning):<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-deAkL1pr9Ns/UWaBD4q4PSI/AAAAAAAAAjA/ICqDMQac7zE/s1600/Oliver+day+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-deAkL1pr9Ns/UWaBD4q4PSI/AAAAAAAAAjA/ICqDMQac7zE/s320/Oliver+day+4.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 4 Oliver (evening with lights):<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JwSb-K07q3I/UWaBuzL2NqI/AAAAAAAAAjI/-b06IpJHVso/s1600/Oliver+and+lights+day+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JwSb-K07q3I/UWaBuzL2NqI/AAAAAAAAAjI/-b06IpJHVso/s320/Oliver+and+lights+day+4.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Day 5: Tuesday, April 9, 2013<br />After taking Emmeline to preschool (with pics of her new brothers), Alex and I spent the morning with the boys. I was so happy to see that the lights were already off Oliver...unexpected! We both got some kangaroo time with the boys...me with Oliver, Alex with Evan. Good reports at turnover. Not much to report...which is a very good thing. After picking Emmeline up from preschool, we decided to take an evening off from the nicu and we went out to dinner with my mom. Another good day.<br /><br />Day 5 Evan:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVAF-IGqhDE/UWb25onQTtI/AAAAAAAAAjY/EVt6t2_jpug/s1600/evan+day+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVAF-IGqhDE/UWb25onQTtI/AAAAAAAAAjY/EVt6t2_jpug/s320/evan+day+5.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 5 Oliver:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2vQuan1n6s/UWb3EdF7n_I/AAAAAAAAAjg/tE54Zkwfxlo/s1600/oliver+day+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2vQuan1n6s/UWb3EdF7n_I/AAAAAAAAAjg/tE54Zkwfxlo/s320/oliver+day+5.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 5 Mom with Oliver:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GAk7zB_tBVA/UWb3TphhEJI/AAAAAAAAAjo/WP6An3VJE8w/s1600/mom+and+oliver+1+day+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GAk7zB_tBVA/UWb3TphhEJI/AAAAAAAAAjo/WP6An3VJE8w/s320/mom+and+oliver+1+day+5.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8W0jtw5pbOw/UWb3YVb03GI/AAAAAAAAAjw/mUo9F-o-jBM/s1600/mom+and+oliver+day+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8W0jtw5pbOw/UWb3YVb03GI/AAAAAAAAAjw/mUo9F-o-jBM/s320/mom+and+oliver+day+5.jpg" /></a>Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-46901995328123633902013-04-10T03:46:00.000-07:002013-04-10T03:46:06.824-07:00Nicu Days 1, 2 and 3So I am going to try to document our nicu journey. Try is the key word. Life is busy. <br /><br />Day 1: Friday, April 5, 2013<br />Evan was born at 9:35AM. Oliver was born at 9:38AM. After they got Evan out, Oliver flipped and my uterus started clamping down on Oliver. They gave me a shot of nitro to relax my uterus and after 3 minutes of dramatic tugging, Oliver was born. Both boys were immediately taken away next door to a place called "the nest" where they were resuscitated and stabilized. They were is rough shape. Evan's initial APGAR score was 1. Oliver's was higher, but still not great. I heard Oliver give a weak cry, but not Evan. After I was sewn up, the delivering doc asked if I wanted to see the "remarkable" placenta. I did. Even as a non-medical person, I could see why it was remarkable. One half was pale, pale pink (Evan's half) and the other half was deep purple. <br /><br />I was then pushed to recovery to wait for a room and Alex stayed in the nest with the babies for awhile. I recovered well - just the usual exhaustion and post surgery nausea. Eventually, the nurses wheeled my bed down to the nest so I could get a peak. I think I missed the big drama, because although I knew they were sick, I expected them to look worse. <br /><br />I finally got a room and continued to recover. I tried to get up on several occasions to go to the nicu, but just felt too woozy. Auntie Lauren, Alex and Emmeline went down and Emmeline got to meet her little brothers. Later that evening, I made it down as well. They were doing so well. By the time I went down, Evan was already off his ventilator and Oliver was about to come off. <br /><br />Day 1 pics:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2D5BcqFhJ-s/UWU9BRMJ9UI/AAAAAAAAAho/vmKQ6jzlSh8/s1600/evan+day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2D5BcqFhJ-s/UWU9BRMJ9UI/AAAAAAAAAho/vmKQ6jzlSh8/s320/evan+day+1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MY1u1TlR9O0/UWU9EX0hYzI/AAAAAAAAAhw/ByAjE-dQkMc/s1600/oliver+christina+hand+day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MY1u1TlR9O0/UWU9EX0hYzI/AAAAAAAAAhw/ByAjE-dQkMc/s320/oliver+christina+hand+day+1.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />Day 2: Saturday, April 6, 2013<br />Woke up, feeling well and headed to the nicu. Both boys were now off the ventilator and Evan was even on room air. They had a good night. Alex and I experienced our first nicu rounds, and figured out that it will be good to be there in the mornings...rounding usually happens between 9-11AM. Emmeline came to the hospital, had lunch with me and got to see her brothers again. In the afternoon, I continued to rest and recover. We headed back in the evening and we both got to hold both boys for the first time. By evening, Oliver was also on room air only. <br /><br />A Day 2 pic of mom holding Evan:<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Zfm7w8Xh3I/UWVBE59CdII/AAAAAAAAAiA/ksI8FVJWQv0/s1600/evan+and+mom+day+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Zfm7w8Xh3I/UWVBE59CdII/AAAAAAAAAiA/ksI8FVJWQv0/s320/evan+and+mom+day+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 3: Sunday, April 7, 2013<br />Discharge day! Took my first shower and headed to the nicu with Alex for rounds. Another good night for the boys. They got to start food today and I was lucky enough to give Evan a bottle. He took most of it, but the nurse warned that as he gets bigger and requires more volume, he may not be able to keep up with the bottle. Still, it was a promising sign that he was practicing sucking. Oliver did the same. We got to hold the babes again. Then, around 12PM, I was discharged. We went home - so good to be home - then headed back in the evening for a short visit. <br /><br />Day 3 Evan:<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Udes8ZWAN2Q/UWVCWbkwZrI/AAAAAAAAAiM/eQFAZ9P3phU/s1600/Evan+day+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Udes8ZWAN2Q/UWVCWbkwZrI/AAAAAAAAAiM/eQFAZ9P3phU/s320/Evan+day+3.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 3 Oliver:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQX4uxqp0DE/UWVCkC_PkMI/AAAAAAAAAiU/i2ttpMtR26A/s1600/Oliver+day+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQX4uxqp0DE/UWVCkC_PkMI/AAAAAAAAAiU/i2ttpMtR26A/s320/Oliver+day+3.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 3 Dad feeding Evan:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VH9ar4Ld-KA/UWVCuMJiMfI/AAAAAAAAAic/CJA9kM_ei38/s1600/Dad+feeding+Evan+day+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VH9ar4Ld-KA/UWVCuMJiMfI/AAAAAAAAAic/CJA9kM_ei38/s320/Dad+feeding+Evan+day+3.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Day 3 Grandma visiting Evan:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x1Ih4zPXIVk/UWVC5oalntI/AAAAAAAAAik/bzYQ7OBJguM/s1600/Grandma+and+oliver+day+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x1Ih4zPXIVk/UWVC5oalntI/AAAAAAAAAik/bzYQ7OBJguM/s320/Grandma+and+oliver+day+3.jpg" /></a>Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-64789810734635926112013-04-07T02:22:00.000-07:002013-04-07T02:22:03.122-07:00They are here!Around 9:30amish Friday morning our boys came into the world after 32 weeks 4 days of hanging out in a cozy uterus. Oliver Charles Wall weighed 4lbs 9 ounces and Evan Alexander Wall weighed 3lbs 11 ounces.<br /><br />It started Thursday morning with a "routine" appointment that quickly became non-routine. Baby Evan was showing signs of stress which was eventually diagnosed as anemia. Originally, the decision was just to do a little more monitoring, but then quickly the plans changed into admitting me directly into labor and delivery...and informing me that I wouldn't be allowed to go home until the babes were out. My best friend and I had plans to have lunch and a pedi after the doc appointment...so like boys not to understand the value of lunch and a pedi with good friends. ;-).<br /><br />They gave a couple steroid shots to help mature the lungs quickly and had hoped to have pushed delivery until Saturday morning. But after a night of monitoring and Baby Evan continuing to show signs of stress, they decided to do a c-section this morning. And what a wise choice that was...<br /><br />Identical twins that share a placenta are at risk for something called twin-to-twin transfusion...basically one twin starts robbing the other twin of blood, causing one twin to have too little blood and the other twin to have too much blood. This was the cause of Evan's anemia. The somewhat unusual thing is that it usually starts to develop before 26 weeks. So to have develop so suddenly at 32 weeks was kind of rare. And, to boot, it was a "dramatic case" per the delivery team - so dramatic that they asked if we would sign consent forms so that they could use pictures of the boys/placenta in future lectures/studies. We've explained to Evan that this was probably not going to be the last time that his younger brother Oliver would be stealing something from him....<br /><br />So they were pretty sick when they first came out (Evan worse off than Oliver). But the great news is that now, almost 48 hours later, they are both very stable and off their ventilators. Alex and I both got to hold both of them last night. What a strange feeling to not be able to hold your baby(ies) right away. It will be a long haul as they will probably be in the nicu anywhere from 5-7 weeks, but we are just grateful that we made it to the 32 week mark.<br /><br />Emmeline is doing fantastic and got to meet her brothers the day that they were born. I'm doing well - my biggest challenge will be slowing it down and realizing that this is going to be a marathon, not a sprint. I should be discharged today. Alex is well and is trying to establish the balance of helping care for Emmeline and being up here at the hospital. My best friend Lauren and my parents have been very valuable these past 72 hours. Now to figure out the challenges of life with two babes that don't get to come home right away.<br /><br />In the pics, Evan is on his side and Oliver is holding my hand.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OWJDuI_EZY0/UWE6mlHCm1I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/Cx9S12SJ7Ks/s1600/evan+day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OWJDuI_EZY0/UWE6mlHCm1I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/Cx9S12SJ7Ks/s320/evan+day+1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfHWtLHNS5U/UWE6pNZf5TI/AAAAAAAAAhY/KLhT1KJ8N-c/s1600/oliver+day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DfHWtLHNS5U/UWE6pNZf5TI/AAAAAAAAAhY/KLhT1KJ8N-c/s320/oliver+day+1.jpg" /></a><br /><br />More to come...Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-919461271601484392013-03-31T18:09:00.001-07:002013-03-31T18:09:30.529-07:0032 weeks tomorrowWow - we have arrived. Obviously, it would be great if they cook a little longer, but if they decide otherwise, the outcome is now looking very good. 5 weeks left...at the latest??? I can't believe it and start to breath a little too fast when I let that sink in. <br /><br />Sleeping has moved into the miserable realm. I dread nighttime. Dread it. It goes something like this...fall asleep at 10ish, wake up at midnight for about 30 minutes, fall asleep until 2ish, awake from 2-5ish (but not awake enough to do anything productive...just awake enough to watch endless episodes of The Office or Friends), fall back asleep around 5ish, sleep on and off until about 7:30am. This is standard. This is not enough sleep. The problem is my back and my belly. There is just no good way to support either. Even sleeping reclined offers minimal relief. I belong to a twin group and someone even made the bold statement that because sleeping is so miserable with the babes inside, that I actually may feel more rested once they arrive. I can see where this may be true. Sure, I will be awaking up every 2 hours to have 2 babes on my boobs, but at least I will be able to sleep in the short periods in between. We'll see.<br /><br />We had a very nice Easter - spent with my mom and a dad and some friends down the street. Emmeline had fun. We are both pooped. I'll leave you with a 31 week and 2 day belly pic as well as a pic of E and her pregnant momma enjoying a beautiful Easter day on the swings...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FjN5RU1Mnss/UVjd9fZ1CiI/AAAAAAAAAg4/m2ksqbFoX5w/s1600/31+week+1+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FjN5RU1Mnss/UVjd9fZ1CiI/AAAAAAAAAg4/m2ksqbFoX5w/s320/31+week+1+day.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ltgwxL2iJRU/UVjePbb_diI/AAAAAAAAAhA/P8-WUtsmk8w/s1600/P1070928.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ltgwxL2iJRU/UVjePbb_diI/AAAAAAAAAhA/P8-WUtsmk8w/s320/P1070928.JPG" /></a>Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-45978460143908937342013-03-25T02:58:00.002-07:002013-03-28T00:30:15.098-07:00Other gifts...So, although I'm not on bed rest, and it appears that I may not be through the rest of this pregnancy, I am definitely slowing - both physically and mentally. As a result, I have asked my parents to come on the weekends when my husband works (he's a commercial pilot...should be interesting when the twins come, eh), This has been so helpful. They sometimes say that they feel bad that they don't do enough and that it still seems like I run around like a Tazmanian Devil even if they are here, but what they don't understand is them giving their undivided attention to Emmeline is the biggest help they could possibly be. It is such a relief to do the little things around the house without my 3-year literally pulling on my leg much of the time. <br /><br />And because they come so much, there are definite traditions. Emmeline always sleeps with my mom. Within minutes of my mom coming in the door, Emmeline politely asks "Can I sleep with you?". Of course! And it works perfectly. She sleeps the whole night and loves cuddling with her grandma. Although she usually sleeps through the night anyway, the benefit to me is that I don't have to do bedtime. At 8:15ish, they head upstairs and I have the evening to myself. Total treat for everyone, I think. And Emmeline and my mom have special things they do - My mom introduced her to puzzles, which is perhaps one of her favorite past times. So she knows that grandma loves to do puzzles with her...and snow flakes. And then there is bath time. Grandma has a reputation for being able to blow monster-sized bubbles with her soap. Emmeline will tell her "Mommy can't blow bubbles as good as you, Grandma.". It's true. My dad has his own relationship with her. He brings her a milkshake when he comes...chocolate. And messes with her about her imaginary friend, V-nick, saying that V-nick actually hangs out with him at his house. Last night, Emmeline decided to run a music school, and he faithfully followed Emmeline around the house while she sang "we're marching, we're marching" and banging some play instrument. And then, as bedtime was winding down, Emmeline asked for him to come up to say goodnight to her...a true sign of her affection. <br /><br />You don't think you do enough, mom and dad? Trust me - you do more than enough. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fwWHzvIcTgs/UVAfDAMwunI/AAAAAAAAAgg/OqrQHoutdys/s1600/mom+and+emmeline.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fwWHzvIcTgs/UVAfDAMwunI/AAAAAAAAAgg/OqrQHoutdys/s320/mom+and+emmeline.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Just one of the many gifts these boys are already giving us as a family. <br /><br />This weekend I had the great opportunity to visit with Alex's aunts and cousin. It was a nice treat as we don't get to see much of them. They came with fun gifts, including this - as you can see from the above pic, I think it was a hit and a testament that no matter how far away they live, they understand my who my daughter is.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_hBEbUyLU4/UVAfwiZYoDI/AAAAAAAAAgo/UxCKJ1vEbmI/s1600/Spider+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4_hBEbUyLU4/UVAfwiZYoDI/AAAAAAAAAgo/UxCKJ1vEbmI/s320/Spider+man.jpg" /></a>Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-52845341411192169052013-03-22T03:25:00.001-07:002013-03-22T03:25:07.047-07:0030.5 week appointmentIt went great. Could not have gone better. Both babes weighing around 3.5 pounds. Same fluid. Super long cervix. Despite dropping, no signs of them coming anytime soon. Baby B is head down. Baby A is butt down, as in his butt is resting on my cervix. The CCAM hasn't grown and remains a very minimal risk. I want to be off work by end of next week, but things went so well that my doc said that she can't write a "bed rest" order because there is no medical reason. She will write an "off work" order based on it being a twin pregnancy and the fact that I'm measuring "full-term". Last work day: April 1st.<br /><br />Other appointment stats: I've gained a total of 28 pounds. My blood pressure yesterday was 133/87. I was concerned, but the doc was pleased. So I'll just go with that. <br /><br />Also, we have a concrete plan for the birth. If I go into labor on my own, I'm progressing and the first baby is head down, we'll give a vaginal birth a shot. If I make it to 37 weeks with no signs of labor, we'll go direct to a c-section and skip the induction phase. Ahh, feels good to have a plan and I'm comfortable with these choices. <br /><br />Funny story about my high-risk ob. So basically, she's become my high-risk ob because I have connections in the system. My best friend is a pediatrician in the system and is friends with a wonderful ob, who initially became my ob for this pregnancy. Then, when we found out about the twins, she worked some magic and transferred me to her connection...one of the best, most experienced ob's in the high risk practice. Apparently, my high risk rarely takes her own patients anymore as she is busy doing other high-risk things (not sure exactly what). Bottom line - I'm pretty much her only patient right now. I have figured this out because of the utter confusion at my ultrasound appointments when I'm asked and "do you have an ob appointment soon?" and I respond with "yes, today, with Dr. T". Then always the look of confusion and shock. <br /><br />So when I did in fact see Dr. T yesterday, I told her how I've come to realize that I am very special that I am getting to see her as a patient. She just smiled and winked and said nothing. Then, as we were checking out, we ran into her and she put her hand on my shoulder and said, "By the way, your not special because I'm your doctor. You're just special.". I choose to take it as a compliment. :-).<br /><br />So ultrasound pictures are getting harder, but she managed to get a profile of Baby A. That bubble near his mouth? His umbilical cord. I'm grateful he doesn't have teeth yet! lol.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x3__zpF6V6Q/UUwwX6aUIYI/AAAAAAAAAgI/Z5CDBCc0qok/s1600/30.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x3__zpF6V6Q/UUwwX6aUIYI/AAAAAAAAAgI/Z5CDBCc0qok/s320/30.5.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The other big thing yesterday was that we made our stroller purchase. The City Select Double. Love it. In this pic, it is set up for an older configurations (once they can sit up), but those red seats come off and there are adapters for their infant car seats. Note the fun platform for Emmeline...although last night she enjoyed playing baby and sitting in the red seats. Yes, I drove that stroller all around the house for a couple of hours. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y6tsqsWbwHY/UUwxTMIr4kI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/0dxnMCYhQEM/s1600/stroller.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y6tsqsWbwHY/UUwxTMIr4kI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/0dxnMCYhQEM/s320/stroller.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Next appointment in 2 weeks, followed by weekly appointments till the end (for NST monitoring). We are truly in the home stretch.<br /><br /><br />Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-36699369386585656562013-03-20T18:54:00.001-07:002013-03-20T18:56:55.602-07:00What you do for your kids...You potentially ruin your favorite non-maternity bathing suit...<br /><br />Emmeline has been asking for swim lessons. So, in the midst of potty-training issues of the #2 variety, we held out swim lessons as the carrot. Well, yesterday, after pooping on the potty twice with no accidents, we decided to go ahead and sign her up. Lessons will start next week, but today was open swim. Knowing that this may be a possibility, I splurged on a maternity swim suit top but decided that I would try to get by with the black bottoms that I already had. Well, today, about 5 minutes before walking out the door with my very excited and appropriately rewarded three-year-old, I discovered then remembered that I gave those black bottoms to the salvation army at the end of last season because they were a "little big"...bahahaha. So what to do? Squeeze into the non-maternity one piece that I own...and I mean SQUEEZE; like the boys were not pleased. But it worked and we had fun. The water provided some relief from the weight, but, ironically, it increased the heartburn - like it allowed my stomach to float higher or something. <br /><br />Here's a pic:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3SXeT7D8DY/UUpnKVSSf6I/AAAAAAAAAf4/Deq8VVWmGP0/s1600/pool+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3SXeT7D8DY/UUpnKVSSf6I/AAAAAAAAAf4/Deq8VVWmGP0/s320/pool+pic.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I have an appointment tomorrow. I'm really curious to find out what's going on in there. Is my intuition right? Have things started moving? Or is it just my inner pessimist showing her ugly face? Updates tomorrow. Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-54808147166482393712013-03-18T19:42:00.000-07:002013-03-18T19:42:26.139-07:00Tazmanian Devil returns...When I wrote my blog about Emmeline, I remember a post which I referred to myself as the Tazmanian Devil. I was just about 11 and 1/2 weeks and one morning I woke up with no more sickness and loads of energy. I felt like the Tazmanian Devil that day, making up for lost time. Well, today was another Tazmanian Devil day. The babies have dropped, the heartburn has eased, I can breath a little better and I have buckets of energy. All seems positive, however, it is making me a little nervous. I'm becoming less confident that I will make it 7 more weeks. <br /><br />I have some busy work days ahead that I am worried about. So I called my doc practice and told them about the babies dropping, the surge of energy and the absence of constipation. They blew me off. Are you have timed contractions? No? Call us back, honey. But as I was telling a friend, if I feel any additional concerns, I'll just lie about the contraction part and get evaluated. I don't think I'm going into actual labor this week or anything, but if keeping my feet up would buy me a few weeks, I'd gladly do it. On the other hand, if nothing is going on, I definitely would like to keep plugging away. Next appointment is Thursday.<br /><br />Part of the high energy day was getting my hospital bag ready. Of course, Emmeline wanted to also get her hospital bag ready. Then, she crawled out of bed tonight to set it next to mine so she wouldn't forget it. My little mini-me these days. <br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--OHQRfEJ918/UUfQi-u596I/AAAAAAAAAfo/FVGzHsrBVaE/s1600/Hospital+suitcases.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--OHQRfEJ918/UUfQi-u596I/AAAAAAAAAfo/FVGzHsrBVaE/s320/Hospital+suitcases.jpg" /></a> Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-32773173254538233632013-03-16T11:37:00.000-07:002013-03-17T13:55:08.163-07:0029.5 belly picI am in awe of my own belly. I stare at it in disbelief. There is also disbelief that, best case scenario, there is still 7 weeks of growth.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-leSawOfsMmc/UUS4emOXBaI/AAAAAAAAAfI/yx-n1E_xxHU/s1600/29.5+week+belly.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-leSawOfsMmc/UUS4emOXBaI/AAAAAAAAAfI/yx-n1E_xxHU/s320/29.5+week+belly.jpg" /></a><br /><br />But in the last few days, I question if I will truly make it these 7 weeks. Things feel different. I can't explain, but I just feel like counting on 7 more weeks is a long shot. <br /><br />I finished up one of three projects that I am trying to accomplish before I stop work, so that feels good. Little loose ends to tie up around the house, none of them required, and most of them definitely on my "want to do" list, not my "need to do" list. I find myself having that now-or-never mentality. I'm trying to break free from that. Yes, it will be harder to get non-essentials done once the babies arrive, but we will still be living. The train of life will continue and priorities with naturally fall into place. Right? Right??? And as these experienced twin mom's keep telling me...this is about to be the adventure of my lifetime. <br /><br />So part of the household arranging is figuring out the sleeping arrangements for the twins...at least what we will try to do initially. We have decided to put them in one crib in the current guest bedroom (which will eventually become their room) until they start rolling around. There is also a bed in there, so I will be the one also camped out in the room as long as breast-feeding is going well. Then, when the boys start rolling away (and hopefully start sleeping for longer periods), we'll bring in another crib and take down the bed. So, as a result of all this, we moved the two bassinets we have to the sunroom. I really want a place for them to sleep, be changed, hang in, etc. downstairs. <br /><br />Until they get filled with babies, the bassinets have been getting good use - everything from bassinets for the dolls and stuffed animals to impromptu basketball hoops. Pictured below - a cozy little space for Emmeline to study. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7b2cxrdOxMI/UUS8JE2P6QI/AAAAAAAAAfY/hHhheppz3fM/s1600/E+in+bassinet.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7b2cxrdOxMI/UUS8JE2P6QI/AAAAAAAAAfY/hHhheppz3fM/s320/E+in+bassinet.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-76529870953921803562013-03-14T07:30:00.002-07:002013-03-14T07:34:17.364-07:00RandomFinishing up work. That is the primary goal in these next two weeks. I've had a non-teaching assignment, which has been wonderful, but was put on a couple of random projects. And when I leave, others will have to take over these projects. Seems simple enough, no? Except if you are me - the very highly organized individual when it comes to my home and child, but the ultimate absent-minded professor when it comes to work...and my car, for that matter. Let's just say that if I were to go into to labor tonight, it would be a good couple of months before I would be able to talk someone through the mess that is my office. So the main goal in the next two weeks is project organization...to be able to hand over nice, labeled folders of work to someone else and not have to worry about it. <br /><br />In other news, Emmeline is showing signs that the birth of these boys is weighing on her mind. I have been sleeping sitting straight up, so sometimes lately, she has been sneaking into bed with my husband in the middle of the night. This morning, he woke up to her saying "Daddy! We need to get two potties for the boys.". And of course, more classic behavior such as the more I physically slow, the more she clings. I do find her worried about me when I have slow days, although I try my best to explain that I'm not sick...that "growing babies is just hard work" (this is line out of the "Mommy's having a baby" book that we have been reading). She deals with it all by mimicking any discomfort I may have. Here's a hint - lately she has been saying "My babies are really making my butt hurt!" a lot. lol. Oh, she also likes to tell other people that the babies make her mommy's butt hurt. Yes, we have reached that age where I can expect anything that comes out of my mouth to be repeated to anyone - strangers included. <br /><br />I made it to a mom-to-mom's sale hosted by the multiples group that I belong to. Snagged some good stuff including a fantastic toy microwave for Emmeline. The best thing about the sale was that I got to meet and have some good conversations with some twin mommies. I was talking to one who also had mo-di twins and we were discussing the biology of identicals and laughing over the fact that in the end, they are really a result of a weak egg. Oh the irony...the exact thing that probably caused us to struggle to have Emmeline for four years also caused us to have identical twins. <br /><br />30-weeks on Monday. I can't believe I'm still going fairly strong with no formal bed rest. Maybe one of these days I'll have faith in my body... Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-68655450249216149152013-03-09T03:12:00.000-08:002013-03-09T03:12:37.437-08:0028-week appointment detailsGood appointment. Babies are still measuring the same. Fluid is the same and good. Cervix is super long. Baby A still has the CCAM, but it hasn't grown. We met with a pediatric surgeon who put our minds at ease. The CCAM is small and there is a very low possibility that it will have any effect before birth or immediately following birth. In fact, the surgeon said that if it wasn't for all these ultrasounds, it (the CCAM) may only be discovered when the kid gets a respiratory infection that won't go away. So his recommendation is that we get a CT scan at around 2 months, then, if the CCAM is still present (sometimes on rare occasion they go away), he recommends surgery at around 6 months. <br /><br />In other news, we took a hospital tour last night. I left it feeling nauseated and freaked out. My memories of my hospital stay with Emmeline are mixed. On the one hand, it was the best of times. Nothing to do except bond with my baby cakes, learn how to breastfeed and eat yummy takeout from local restaurants (skipped most of the hospital food experience). On the other hand, the first 48 hours there (I was there a total of 5 days due to preeclampsia), including the 24-hours after giving birth, are one big hot, flu-like blur. I don't remember how I cared for Emmeline during that time, and I do remember threatening to go against medical advice by ripping those mag sulfate IVs out. And I know the thing that was most pleasurable about the experience - the simplicity of only needing to focus on bonding with the baby- will be different this time around. I'll want to get home to Emmeline. And of course there will be bonding, but there will also be basic survival with the two. I never felt like I was on "survival" mode with Emmeline. <br /><br />If I, my body and my boys decide to give a vaginal birth a shot, we will be delivering in the OR...standard procedure for vaginal births with twins. Apparently, you are all set up for a c-section (complete with full c-section staff). I've decided that my approach to having these boys is the same as my approach for when they come out...one day at a time, have flexibility and make decisions with the situation at hand rather than having any big, non-flexible plans.<br /><br />Yesterday, at the park, I ran into a mother I've been itching to run into since last fall. She has a boy who is exactly Emmeline's age and drum roll please...identical twins. She lives a few blocks away. Good stories from her. She made it to 37 weeks, was induced, easy birth, both boys were around 7lbs. Everyone went home in 24 hours. Their house is almost exactly like ours. She says it works just fine. She tandem breastfeeds. I mean, really, does it get any better? She did add that there are bad days, of course. I'm glad she said that because it gave some credibility to all the positive stuff that she said. Anyway, after seeing each other at the park for over a year, we finally exchanged digits. She is going to be a great source of info. <br /><br />Yes, we got out in the beautiful sunshine and made it to the park across the street and ran into two good friends of Emmeline's. And then we had another impromptu dinner with another one of her friends and her parents...grilled out. See, it hits the mid-40's and abundant sunshine in Michigan and we all act as if it is summer. But it was one of those days where I was not only reminded that it takes a village but was also once again in love with the village that we live in. Yes, we sometimes crave more space in our home, but this neighborhood? It's quite a gem.<br /><br />I leave you with a pic from our "summer" day as well as a 28.5 week belly:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TV2Eq7GZzEc/UTsY4qrf94I/AAAAAAAAAeo/3U-R3b3kvSY/s1600/park+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TV2Eq7GZzEc/UTsY4qrf94I/AAAAAAAAAeo/3U-R3b3kvSY/s320/park+day.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k1q0_txZxrc/UTsZHwVGtLI/AAAAAAAAAe4/68BX-xiDQkY/s1600/28.5+belly.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k1q0_txZxrc/UTsZHwVGtLI/AAAAAAAAAe4/68BX-xiDQkY/s320/28.5+belly.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-35843810791320184762013-03-05T18:17:00.001-08:002013-03-05T18:17:13.750-08:0028-week appointment tomorrowBullet point update:<br /><br />-28-week appointment tomorrow. We'll know more about the CCAM (lung issue).<br />-My latest pregnancy symptom is a big pain in my ass - literally. Figure it out. Part of tonight's comfort regime includes sitting on a warm washcloth soaked in Epson salts. Oh the glamour.<br />-Think we've decided on a stroller - the City Select Double. It will take us from now till 3 1/2 years or so. And it has a platform for Emmeline to ride on. We "test" drove it. Very, very nice. <br />-Hospital tour on Thursday night. I still love the fact that I can look out my bedroom window and see the top of the hospital I will be delivering at. <br />-Finally, I need to slow down and put these feet up more. I'm pretty sure the second bullet point is a result not putting my feet up once today. But it's crunch time! 9 weeks..at the longest.<br /><br />Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3093314630814806191.post-66394079902151847022013-02-28T22:03:00.000-08:002013-02-28T22:11:31.968-08:0027-weeksSo here's a 27-week belly pic. I just realized that I posted a 26.5 week belly pic. Yeah, probably not that much difference. But these days I guess I feel like I grow hourly.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryTi6od3XQE/UTBAY4RfkmI/AAAAAAAAAeM/mMVYMXZSrNI/s1600/27-week+belly.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ryTi6od3XQE/UTBAY4RfkmI/AAAAAAAAAeM/mMVYMXZSrNI/s320/27-week+belly.jpg" /></a><br /><br />On Monday, I will have 9 weeks until these babies are for sure out. There, of course, is the chance that they will come before then. 9 weeks maximum! We are out of the double digits. I can't believe it. Everyday, I can't believe it. <br /><br />Things are getting uncomfortable. I mean, I'm blogging at 12:47AM after a day full of working, errands and hardcore playing with Emmeline. Why, you my ask? Oh, just because there is always liquid acid in my throat. The last three days I have slept sitting straight up. It helps, but the sleep is far from sound. And then the constipation...oh, the constipation. I know, perhaps too much information, but I must document that these days it is not uncommon that I spend over an hour a day trying to go to the bathroom. Yes, my biggest physical whoa is my digestive track - keeping food down at one end and getting it out the other. <br /><br />I made an exit plan with my Dean today, with the hope I will make it until March 25th. Next week is spring break, then two more weeks. And since I really only go in three days a weeks, that means a total of 6 days left. I can do 6 days. <br /><br />Spring break...well, Alex usually gets vacation the same week so we can do some big trip. This year he also has vacation, but we will be doing a staycation. Trying to come up with some fun things to do with Emmeline on her non-preschool days, as well as some fun adult activities while she's in preschool. We also decided tonight that we are going to pursue a couple of bigger house projects before the twins arrive (new counter tops, backsplash, carpet in the sunroom), so there will be some shopping for those items as well. <br /><br />I remember thinking about this time of year back in October, shortly after finding out there were TWO babies. I remember thinking how far off it seemed. And now we are here...building a snowman family of five. <br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0V01MciAVo/UTBEl8kNF7I/AAAAAAAAAeY/mO-V0KV7f8s/s1600/Snowman+family.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0V01MciAVo/UTBEl8kNF7I/AAAAAAAAAeY/mO-V0KV7f8s/s320/Snowman+family.JPG" /></a>Retro Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10520769739651681722noreply@blogger.com0